What Kind of Bullet Is This ??

[BEAR]

It is about a 45 Cal. Found in a Union Civil War Camp. Thanks Bear

[Guthormsen1]

It looks like a .44 cal. Colt dragoon pistol bullet, but I"m not 100% sure. I've dug several of them, but the ones I have dug didn't have those verticle lines. Here is a pic of one I have dug. Here is a good bullet ID site for you to referance. 19th Century Bullet Collection - Tom Henrique Hope this helps.

[BEAR]

I cannot figure out the lines and I cannot find it in the book. It is a dropped bullet and has not been fired. Bear

[PCGeorge]

According to "A Handbook of Civil War Bullets & Cartridges" (see bullet photo #10 in that book), you find a .44 Watervliet Arsenal bullet. A previous bullet-book said it was intended for use in the Dragoon model of .44 Colt revolver. (The Dragoon revolver famously appeared as Mattie's Daddy's oversize gun in the movie "True Grit".) The serrations (lines) on its body were intended to help the paper cartridge adhere better on the lead.

Most specimens of your bullet only have the lines/serrations on the lowest area of the bullet's sides ...because they only need to be where the paper cartridge enclosed the bullet's base. Apparently, your specimen was manufactured on a Monday morning. ;-)

Regards,
Pete [P.C. George]

[jacktom]

Nice, post, keep up the good work

[BEAR]

I found one just the other day. It was about 2000 yards of the spot where I found the other one. Bear